When attending a wedding tea ceremony, it’s customary to give an “ang pow,” a red envelope containing money, as a gift to the newlyweds. But how much should you give? The amount of ang pow you give depends on several factors, such as your relationship to the couple, your income level, and local customs.
Relationship to the Couple
The closer your relationship to the couple, the more you should give. Here’s a general guideline:
- Immediate family (parents, siblings): $200-$500
- Close relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins): $100-$200
- Friends: $50-$100
- Colleagues: $20-$50
Income Level
Your income level should also be considered. If you’re financially comfortable, you may choose to give a larger ang pow. If you’re on a tighter budget, a smaller amount is perfectly acceptable.
Local Customs
Local customs can vary significantly when it comes to ang pow amounts. In general, ang pow amounts tend to be higher in urban areas than in rural areas. For example, in Hong Kong, it’s common to give $200 or more for a close family member, while in some rural areas of China, $50 may be considered sufficient.
Ang Pow Table
To help you determine an appropriate amount, here’s a table with suggested ang pow amounts based on your relationship to the couple and income level:
| Relationship | Income Level | Ang Pow Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate family | High | $500 |
| Immediate family | Medium | $300 |
| Immediate family | Low | $200 |
| Close relatives | High | $200 |
| Close relatives | Medium | $150 |
| Close relatives | Low | $100 |
| Friends | High | $100 |
| Friends | Medium | $50 |
| Friends | Low | $20 |
| Colleagues | High | $50 |
| Colleagues | Medium | $30 |
| Colleagues | Low | $20 |
Tips for Giving Ang Pow
- Give in a red envelope. Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture.
- Put an even number of bills in the envelope. Even numbers are considered lucky, while odd numbers are associated with funerals.
- Don’t write your name on the envelope. Traditionally, ang pow is given anonymously.
- Give the ang pow to the couple in person. This is a more personal way to give the gift.
Tricks for Saving Money
If you’re on a tight budget, here are a few tricks for saving money on ang pow:
- Give a smaller amount. It’s better to give a smaller amount that you can afford than to strain your finances.
- Give a gift instead of cash. A small gift, such as a gift certificate or a piece of jewelry, can be just as appreciated as cash.
- Pool your money with others. If you’re attending the wedding with a group of friends or family members, you can pool your money together to give a larger ang pow.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I don’t know the couple well?
A: If you don’t know the couple well, you can give a smaller amount, such as $20-$50.
Q: What if I’m invited to multiple wedding tea ceremonies?
A: If you’re invited to multiple wedding tea ceremonies, you can give a smaller amount to each couple.
Q: Can I give ang pow to children?
A: Yes, it’s customary to give ang pow to children at wedding tea ceremonies. You can give a smaller amount, such as $10-$20.
Q: What should I do if I forget to bring ang pow?
A: If you forget to bring ang pow, you can give it to the couple at a later date, such as the wedding reception or when you visit them at their home.
Conclusion
Giving ang pow at a wedding tea ceremony is a way to show your support for the newlyweds and wish them well. The amount you give should be based on your relationship to the couple, your income level, and local customs. By following the guidelines and tips in this article, you can give an appropriate and meaningful ang pow that will be appreciated by the couple.
